April 19, 1930 - September 10, 2009
Willoughby T. Blankenship, 79, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, died Thursday, September 10, 2009, at his home. He was born April 19, 1930, in Hoxie, Arkansas, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wiloughby Blankenship.
Mr. Blankenship was retired from the United States Air Force. He was a member and Post Commander of the American Legion Post 99.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Helen Blankenship of Heber Springs; children, Bob of Conway; Wyck of Little Rock; Mary Ann of Daphne, Alabama; John of Daphne, Alabama; Joe of Heber Springs; 13 grandchilden; brothers, John Blankenship of Kerrville, Texas; and a sister, Judy Allen of Jacksonville.
Graveside service with full military honors, will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 13, 2009, at Oak Grove Cemetery, Conway.
Arrangements by Roller-McNutt Funeral Home. 501-327-7727.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to R. S. Orphans, 448 Forest Drive, Heber Springs, Arkansas 72543.
I'd only lived in LR a month when I met Chief. He gave me an open-hearted welcome then, and strong support during the few years I lived in LR after that. His generous spirit and constant encouragement propelled me to a better life. Thank you.
Bob and Wyck I was sorry to read about your Dad's death. You are in my thoughts. Sincerely Anita
I am so sorry to hear of Red's passing. It has been two years since Jim's death and it still seems like yesterday that John and Dennis Acklin were coming here and sitting with him and talking about their childhood. I know that Red will be missed by many friends beyond the family. John you will always be in my heart for introducing me to Jim.
Joe, I just heard about your dad, I'm so sorry for your loss, you & your family are in my prayers during this time of grief.
Bob, We are so sorry for your loss. We have been out of town and just got back last night. May God be with you.
Our prayers are with you. You'll have the a lifetime of memories to comfort you in your time of grief.
Chief was the best friend and mentor a person could ever hope to have. We will miss him but remember him ever day. Thank you Blankenship family for sharing him wiht us.
I never met Chief personally, but he called in to Murray Guard several times over the last 5 years that I have worked for Buster and Roger. I always loved my conversations with him before turning his phone call over to Buster or Roger. He even invited me to come spend the weekend at his "resort" home and he had never met me! He was such a joy to know even if it was just over the phone, that I knew him.
Our thoughts, prayers & sympathies are with your family.
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Edd & Donna
Bob and Wyck:
I was saddened to hear of your father's passing.
Please know that I will be thinking about you all during this time of sorrow. God Bless.
Helen, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. God Bless you and your family! I always enjoyed visiting with Bill when we picked up grandchildren at CTK. I would send you a card but do not know how to get in touch with. Will do anything that I can to help. Love to you and your family. Melba Suskie
Just found out about your passing...Too late to attend the funeral...
God be with you on your journey..
Love,
Joe Ratliff
Bob, we are saddened by your loss...we pray that God wraps his loving arms around you and your family during your time of loss and recovery.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Just want you to know that Nancy and I are thinking of you at this time.
No words can change facts,your loss ,a cross we must bear,know you have friends at this sad time.
Ron& Phyllis
Dear Family, I was so sorry to hear about Bill's passing.My heart felt sympathys go out to each and every one of you. I can remember the first time I met Bill He was always so cordial and included me into the family like I was accepted from day 1. He was a very interesting, amusing, and kind person. I know how much you love and will miss him. He is safe in God's Hands now.My love to you all.
Helen, John, Joe, and the other members of the family,I am so sorry to learn of Bill's death.He was always special to me. Evan when I was a kid ,He always took the time to talk to me.He was always telling stories.He was a favorite and interesting man.I will miss him.Know that my prayers and my family's sympathy are with you all.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I always loved listening to his funny stories, he always made everyone belly laugh.
all of us at Murray Guard loved Chief Blankenship, He was a friend , a loyal associate in business and a "great person to ride with by your side". We will miss his smile, his laugh, and his humorous stories. God Bless Chief Bill Blankenship and all of his wonderful family. We will always remember all.
Our prayers are with you. I will talk to Perry and Margaret today and tell them about your loss. We Tunnells have always been a close-Knit family. We have and are losing so many. We were down at Ebenezer last week and we always stop and talk about our Tunnell relatives , your dad and my mom are there....We love this BIG family. Take care and keep a close relationship with your immediate family. We love you all....Merle and Chan
Helen, sorry to read about Bill's death in the paper this morning. Our deepest sympathy.
Wick, Bob and family's you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We are very sorry for the family loss. He was a sure storyteller we would stop everything just to hear his stories. He lived life to the fullest . He will be missed so very much at the shop. If we can do anything for you all please let us know. Mickey, Monta Fortner and Family
Deepest sympathy, John, Lulu and family